From the moment you crest the final hills outside Maryville and see the lights of Smoky Mountain Speedway glow in the dusk, you know you’re arriving somewhere special. Smoky Mountain Speedway is a 3/8-mile dirt oval (0.375 mi) nestled just off Brick Mill Road — a track with deep roots, first opening in the mid-1960s. Over the decades the track has seen many changes: it was briefly asphalted in the late 1960s, then returned to its dirt heritage in the 1970s, and as of 2023 it underwent a re-configuration to optimize racing — shorter and wider for more competition and tighter, more exciting racing.
But Smoky Mountain Speedway is more than just a track — it's a gathering place for those who love the roar of engines, the swirl of dirt under tires, and the crackle of a tense last-lap battle. In a typical season you’ll find everything from weekly late-model dirt races to visiting touring series, monster-truck nights, and even rodeos, giving locals and visiting families plenty of reasons to crowd into the grandstands, bring their lawn chairs, and fuel up on concession-stand snacks while waiting for the green flag. The campground and tier-parking area add a down-home touch — many fans come early and stay late, sometimes bringing RVs or campers, turning a race night into a full-weekend adventure under the stars.
Smoky Mountain Speedway is only 1.6 miles away from Ayoka Ranch. That proximity gives Ayoka Ranch guests a unique bonus — whether you want quiet time surrounded by nature or the roar of dirt-track racing just minutes away. It’s a sweet blend of countryside calm and full-throttle excitement.
Whether you come for the dirt, the drama, or simply to enjoy a night out with friends and family, Smoky Mountain Speedway offers a slice of Americana where speed, community, and Southern hospitality meet under open Tennessee skies.